A new year is always a perfect opportunity to implement new changes and think of ways to better yourself.  Inc. Magazine had a great article today about the difference between setting goals versus intentions.  While goals are essential for strategic thinking and business, setting intentions always you to focus on the moment and determine what values by which you’d like to live your life.  Further, as the article articulates, intentions are “about who you want to be, what you wish to contribute to the world, and how you choose to touch the lives of others.” Goals (or resolutions) then help you implement your intentions.

As a result, for my new year’s intentions, I pledge to communicate with and connect to other people and the world around me.  Here are five resolutions to help achieve this:

Reduce Reliance of Smartphone Usage.  Smartphones are fantastic, but I’m amazed at how much time I spend on my phone and don’t even realize the time that has elapsed.  In order to decrease my usage, I’m downloading an app that will shut off data for a predetermined amount of time.  During this, you can still use your phone to call and receive messages, but can’t use any of the apps.

Exercise Outdoors.  It’s easy to go to the gym on a regular basis and fall into a routine.  This year I’d like to replace running on a treadmill with an effort to run outside in beautiful places so that I can better connect with nature.  One of the perks of my job is that I’m constantly traveling to new cities and running outdoors will be a great opportunity to connect with other people and the environment of the city.

Meditate.  We’ve been hearing more and more about the enormous benefits of meditation.  It allows you to gain perspective and sort through daily issues.  Plus, it’s a fantastic way to mitigate stress and refocus your energy on cultivating personal relationships.

Read books and articles outside of my comfort zone.  I love nonfiction, so whenever I have time I read history or biographies.  In an effort to increase my personal development, I’m pledging to read more books and articles that don’t fall into these categories.

Cook more.  One thing I started to do this year was to make an effort to cook more meals.  Not only was it relaxing, but I love the feeling of accomplishment after finishing a dish and sitting down to enjoy it.  Plus, it’s a great excuse to visit a local market and fuel the economy near where you are living.  Cooking is a great social activity and something I’m pledging to do more for my friends and family in 2017.

What are some of your New Year’s intentions and resolutions?  I’d love to hear about them in the comments section!